Debate on the firewall against the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt: Haseloff warns of self-destruction

Haseloff's Diagnosis: Warning Against Permanent Negative Reporting

The CDU in Saxony-Anhalt has long positioned itself clearly against cooperation with the AfD. The firewall has been repeatedly reaffirmed at state party conventions. Within the federal party and the SPD, however, the approach to the party is being discussed controversially, particularly after the AfD's electoral successes in several eastern German states.

Former Federal Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel had recently also contributed to the debate, advocating for a more pragmatic stance toward AfD voters. This position met with opposition in both the SPD and the CDU. Party leaders and state associations emphasized their desire to maintain a clear demarcation.

Margot Käßmann, former chairwoman of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), had also weighed in on the debate. She warned against a relativization of democratic fundamental values and called for a clear demarcation from the AfD. Church representatives see the party as being in contradiction to the fundamental convictions of the democratic community.

Voices from the Church and SPD for Clear Demarcation

The discussion is taking place at a time when the state election in Saxony-Anhalt is approaching. Polls put the AfD far ahead in voter popularity, while the CDU, SPD, Left, and Greens compete for second place. Observers view the firewall debate against this backdrop as a litmus test for the stability of the democratic party landscape in eastern Germany.

On the SPD side, leading state politicians emphasize that there must be no cooperation with the AfD. At the same time, there is reflection on ways to win back those voters who have turned to the AfD out of disappointment with the established parties. This balancing act — demarcation on the one hand, appealing to returning voters on the other — shapes the strategic considerations of the state associations.

Outlook on the State Election

For Haseloff, it is clear that a permanently negative mood in the media harms the democratic parties. His message: Those who want to cut the ground out from under the AfD must make confidence and solutions visible. The coming weeks until the state election will show whether this appeal is taken up in the parties' election campaigns.

In the overall picture, the firewall question remains a permanent issue in eastern German politics. In Saxony-Anhalt, it is particularly pressing due to the AfD's worsening poll numbers. The CDU is relying on its Minister President as a defining actor, while the SPD and civil society are reaffirming their positions on demarcation.